Super Simple Pressed Flower Projects

April 1, 2014

Gr 3-6-Each volume of this attractive series features seven to nine projects, some of them familiar (twig picture frame, seashell mobile) and some unexpected (tea light holders made of ice). A design that incorporates lots of white space and an earthy palette makes the simple instructions in these books easy to read and follow. Some trial and error may be necessary with projects such as the hollow lantern from Ice Projects, but luckily the materials needed in these crafts are readily available. Many of the books in this series teach a basic technique or two (flower pressing, preserving leaves with glycerin) and then build several crafts based on that technique. Variations and embellishments are suggested, encouraging readers to experiment with their own ideas. The Ice, Pinecone, and Leaf books are the best in this series, while the others, though good looking and simple to use, offer nothing essentially new.

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2014
"Super simple" is a relative term; some projects are straightforward, and some are more involved and better suited to experienced crafters. Each book provides step-by-step instructions, helpfully illustrated with photos, for eight nature-inspired crafts; "Pro tip" and "Fun tip" features dispense useful advice. There's something for all skill levels--although Pressed Flower requires building a flower press before attempting the projects. Glos.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)